May 5, 2015

WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon kicked off the festivities by talking about the hardships the WWE Hall of Famer faced throughout his career and lauding his many accomplishments.

“Pat Patterson became one of the greatest Superstars of all time, selling out arenas throughout the world, including Madison Square Garden many times,” McMahon said.

Patterson came to ringside to a chorus of “Merci, Pat! Merci, Pat!” by the Montreal faithful. Bret Hart joined Patterson and McMahon to thank Patterson for being a “great friend and real hero.” Hart then presented him with a personalized Montreal Canadiens jersey, which Patterson immediately put on to the delight of the Bell Centre.

After a video of several Superstars and Legends thanking Patterson, Triple H led the locker room to the stage. The former WWE World Heavyweight Champion and current WWE Executive attributed his success to Patterson and praised him for working alongside Mr. McMahon for so many years.

“You’ve tried to retire numerous times,” Triple H said. “This is just in your blood. You are family. Vince said it, I will say it: You are my family. I love you.”

Triple H then presented Patterson with a plaque featuring the Intercontinental Championship and legendary pictures from his Hall of Fame career.

Patterson thanked the locker room and his hometown fans for their support before signing a heartfelt rendition of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way.”

After 15 years as a main eventer in San Francisco, Patterson joined WWE in 1979 and became the first Intercontinental Champion. His brutal matches with Sgt. Slaughter in the coming years brought “extreme” to sports-entertainment more than a decade before The Attitude Era.

He likewise became an unforgettable part of The Attitude Era as one of Mr. McMahon’s “Stooges,” alongside Gerald Brisco on camera. He also created the beloved Royal Rumble Match concept at WWE’s World Headquarters.

As for what Patterson has done for WWE, Mr. McMahon said it simply: “I would not be standing in this ring tonight if it were not for Pat Patterson.”